London is the perfect melting pot of culture, education and outstanding beauty. London never fails to impress, no matter what your budget is and whether you’re visiting for a day, a week or even just an evening you’ll be sure to find the perfect activity to help you discover what makes the nation’s capital so special.

London parks

There are a number of parks around London that are perfect for taking a stroll through beautiful scenery in what can otherwise be a fast-paced city. Greenwich Park in particular is worth a visit; as well as being a wide, green area that’s suited to kids, sunbathers and joggers alike, you’ll also find the Royal Observatory and Peter Harrison Planetarium in case you find yourself wanting to trade the views of local flora with something a bit more “out there.”

There are plenty of parks to visit in London including Hyde Park, Richmond Park (home to hundreds of deer!) and Crystal Palace- the perfect place to spot a dinosaur in the heart of London.

London museums

Some of the world’s greatest artworks and display pieces can be found in London’s free-to-enter museums, allowing you to get your recommended daily dose of culture without having to pay for the privilege. The National Portrait Gallery is home to masterpieces by Da Vinci, Turner, Rembrandt and Van Gough (among others), or if you’d prefer something a bit more hands on, the Science Museum and Natural History Museum are a perfect place to spend the day.

London attractions for Kids

There’s plenty of affordable fun to be had if you’re spending the day with kids; the family can explore the Peter Pan-themed Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington, which has full-size pirate ships to clamber aboard and enjoy.

For a sweet treat, your kids will love the unusual delights that can be found at Hoxton Street Monster Supplies- a traditional sweet shop with a difference. Take a closer look into this unassuming looking sweet shop and you’ll see a range of strange products including jars of The Heebie-Jeebies (humbugs), Cubed Earwax (fudge) and Brain Food (bonbons). A great place to visit with an unique twist!

Music and entertainment

If an evening at the cinema takes your fancy but there’s nothing on that you want to see, take a look at what’s on at Prince Charles Cinema on Leicester Square. The cinema screens a healthy selection of new and classic films, so there’s something showing for everyone throughout the week. Alternatively, The Barbican is the largest arts centre in Europe and regularly plays host to a number of events and concerts, including appearances from the London Symphony Orchestra.

Sightseeing in London

There are plenty of world-famous monuments to see around London without having to pay an entry fee. A trip to the Palace of Westminster lets you see not only the grand home of British politics, but also the instantly recognisable clock tower of Big Ben (though many would correctly tell you that Big Ben is the bell within the tower, not the tower itself). Other places that are too good to miss include: Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace.

While at Buckingham Palace, be sure to stay around to see the changing of the guard ceremony!